Principal

I am truly excited as I enter my first year as principal at the Academic Options Center. I previously served as an assistant principal at Olde Towne Middle School. I began my career in education in 2010 as a Social Studies teacher at Cardozo Middle School in the Jackson Public Schools District. I also taught Physical Education and served as the Head Football coach, where I led the school to the first JPS Football City Championship in school history in 2012. Additionally, I served as the assistant boy's basketball coach and head girl's track coach. I was a board member for the school's National Junior Honor Society.

From 2013 until 2015, I taught Physical Education at Northwest Rankin High School and served as a varsity assistant football and varsity assistant boy's basketball coach. Prior to entering the education field, I served as a law enforcement officer with the Jackson Police Department from 2001 until 2009. I matriculated through the ranks from patrolman to detective. I served as the department's media spokesperson and was also the logistics officer for the SWAT team.

I am a graduate of Jackson State University with a Bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice. I hold a Master's degree in Educational Leadership from Mississippi College. I am married to Ahsaki Butler-Bell and I have three sons, Jalani, Dakari, and Jabari. I enjoy sports and travel. I am a member of Mount Nebo Missionary Baptist Church, Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., National Association of Secondary School Principals, and the Mississippi Association of Secondary School Principals.